Thursday, October 3, 2013

BAM yet to submit names for SEA Games

Lee Chong Wei: 'I would prefer not to go, in order to prepare for the tough year ahead.'

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei may yet
be selected for the Naypyidaw SEA Games although he would certainly
prefer not to compete.

Chong Wei, who turns 31 on Oct 21, is still on the Badminton
Association of Malaysia (BAM) provisional list as the coaches – Tey Seu
Bock, Rashid Sidek and Hendrawan – have yet to submit any names.

The SEA Games is one of the few tournaments – apart from the World
Championships and the Olympics – that Chong Wei has yet to win, with
only a bronze medal from the 2005 Games in the Philippines.

The two-time Olympic silver medallist however admitted that it would
be better if he were allowed to skip the event which will be held from
Dec 10-14, as well as the Super Series Finals which coincidentally falls
on Dec 11-15 in Kuala Lumpur.

“I honestly do not know yet if I am required to go for the SEA Games.
There have been some changes recently and the coaches have not
submitted the names yet,” said Chong Wei.
“But I would prefer not to go, in order to prepare for the tough year ahead.

“I have seen the calender ... and it is very tight, especially in
June when we have the Japan, Indonesia and Australian Opens which are
Super Series events.

“Plus, there is also the All England and World Championships, and we
have three more tournaments - the Thomas Cup and the Asian and
Commonwealth Games which makes it even more hectic.
“So, I will definitely need some time out to prepare for the big year ahead.

“As for the Super Series Finals, I am also open to skipping it even
though I should qualify for it,” added Chong Wei who currently leads the
Super Series standings.

Currently competing in the China League for the Guangdong Century
City Badminton Club, Chong Wei still has the Denmark and French Opens
later this month, as well as the China and Hong Kong Opens in November.